J-Hook Filter Assembly

ABSTRACT

A fluid filter assembly includes a housing, a proximal end cap, and a nut plate. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface. The inner surface surrounds the longitudinal axis and defines a hook portion. The proximal end cap is disposed within the housing and includes a flange engaging the inner surface of the housing. The nut plate is disposed within the housing and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end engages the hook portion of the housing. The distal end engages the proximal end cap.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to filter assemblies, and more particularly to aspin-on filter assembly having a nut plate and a housing securedtogether using a j-hook connection.

BACKGROUND

Spin-on filters may be used in fluid delivery systems and lubricationsystems to remove particulates within a fuel stream or a lubricationstream between a fuel tank or a lubrication reservoir and an engineand/or other components. Spin-on filters typically mount to a mountingadapter of a fluid circuit and receive and return fluid therefrom. Insome configurations, spin-on filters include a steel canister housing, afilter element, and having a closed end and an open end. At the openend, a connection must be provided to connect the spin-on filter to themounting adapter in a spin-on fashion.

Joining a flange with a fluid filter typically involves placing springsagainst an endcap to hold the flange in place. The placement of springsincreases the cost and complexity of the spin-on filter.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a fluid filterassembly. The fluid filter assembly may include a housing, a proximalend cap, and a nut plate. The housing may define a longitudinal axis andmay include an inner surface. The inner surface may surround thelongitudinal axis and define a hook portion. The proximal end cap may bedisposed within the housing and may include a flange engaging the innersurface of the housing. The nut plate may be disposed within the housingand may include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end mayengage the hook portion of the housing. The distal end may engage theproximal end cap.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the housing includes aproximal portion defining a first diameter, a distal portion defining asecond diameter, and an intermediate portion defining a third diameter.The third diameter may be less than the first diameter and greater thanthe second diameter. The flange may engage the intermediate portion ofthe inner surface.

In some implementations, the proximal end cap includes a plurality ofcentering features engaging the distal portion of the inner surface tocenter the proximal end cap within the housing.

The nut plate may include a ring portion disposed within the hookportion of the housing.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the housing includes aproximal portion defining a first diameter, a distal portion defining asecond diameter, and an intermediate portion defining a third diameter.The third diameter may be less than the first diameter and greater thanthe second diameter. The ring portion may include an outer surfacedefining a fourth diameter substantially equal to the first diameter.

In some implementations, the flange engages the intermediate portion ofthe inner surface.

In some implementations, the nut plate includes an inner ring portionand an outer ring portion. The inner ring portion and the outer ringportion may extend about the longitudinal axis and define an annulargroove therebetween. The inner ring portion and the outer ring portionmay extend toward the proximal end cap along the longitudinal axis.

In some implementations, the fluid filter assembly includes a filtermedia and a distal end cap. The filter media may include a proximal endand a distal end. The distal end cap may engage the distal end of thefilter media. The proximal end cap may engage the proximal end of thefilter media. The distal end cap may include a distal centering featureengaging the inner surface of the housing to center the distal end capwithin the housing. The proximal end cap may include a proximalcentering feature engaging the inner surface to center the proximal endcap within the housing.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method ofmanufacturing a fluid filter assembly. The method may include providinga housing having an inner surface surrounding a longitudinal axis. Themethod may also include inserting a filter element within the housing.The method may further include engaging a proximal end cap with aproximal end of the filter element. The method may further includeengaging a nut plate with the proximal end cap. The nut plate mayinclude an axially-extending ring. The method may also include engaginga hook portion of the housing with the axially-extending ring to securethe filter, the proximal end cap, and the nut plate within the housing.

In some implementations, engaging a hook portion of the housing with theaxially extending ring includes crimping the housing to theaxially-extending ring.

In some implementations, the proximal end cap includes a radiallyoutwardly extending flange. Engaging the proximal end cap with an end ofthe filter element may include engaging the flange with the innersurface of the housing.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the housing includes aradially inwardly extending intermediate portion. The flange may engagethe intermediate portion.

In some implementations, the flange includes a plurality of fluidopenings circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis. The fluidopenings may direct fluid toward the filter element.

In some implementations, the inner surface of the housing includes aradially inwardly extending intermediate portion. At least one of theproximal end cap and the nut plate may engage the intermediate portion.

In some implementations, the hook portion defines a j-shaped construct.

In some implementations, the hook portion extends radially inwardly.

In some implementations, the method includes engaging a distal end capwith a distal end of the filter element. The distal end may be disposedopposite the proximal end. The method may also include engaging thedistal end cap with the inner surface of the housing.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a fluidfilter assembly. The fluid filter assembly may include a filter defininga longitudinal axis, an end cap that abuts an end of the filter, a nutplate with a plurality of threads that extend radially inward toward thelongitudinal axis, and a housing including a j-shaped hook. The end capmay include a ring and a flange. An inner surface of the ring maycontact the end of the filter. The flange may extend from an outersurface of the ring. The nut plate may include a lip with a plurality oflocking grooves. The lip may be configured to hold the end cap in thelocking grooves. The j-shaped hook may lock with the nut plate toprevent movement of the nut plate.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of thefollowing optional features. In some implementations, the ring of theend cap includes an annular groove defined by an inner rim and an outerrim. The inner rim and the outer rim may extend toward the filter alongthe longitudinal axis. The annular groove may be configured to hold afilter. The filter may be cylindrically shaped. The outer surface mayextend radially outward from the longitudinal axis.

In some examples, the filter is disposed in the annular groove betweenthe outer rim and the inner rim. The end cap may include a plurality offluid openings circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis. Thefluid openings may direct fluid toward the filter.

The inner ring of the end cap may form an opening. The opening may beconfigured to direct fluid away from the filter. The end cap may includea support beam that extends along the longitudinal axis. The supportbeam may connect the flange to the ring. In some examples, the end capis angled radially inward.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of manufacturing afluid filter assembly. The method may include inserting a ringedfiltration media about an outer surface of a filter, placing an end capabout an end of the filter, engaging a nut plate with the end cap, andaffixing a housing including a j-shaped hook to the nut plate. Thefilter may define a longitudinal axis. The end cap may include a ringand a flange. An inner surface of the ring may contact the end of thefilter. The flange may extend from an outer surface of the ring. The nutplate may include a plurality of threads that extend radially inwardtoward the longitudinal axis. The nut plate may include a lip with aplurality of locking grooves. The lip may be configured to hold the endcap in the locking grooves. The j-shaped hook may extend radially inwardtoward the longitudinal axis. The j-shaped hook may lock with the nutplate to prevent movement of the nut plate.

This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features.In some implementations, the ring of the end cap includes an inner rimand an outer rim. The inner rim and the outer rim may extend toward thefilter along the longitudinal axis.

In some examples, an outer surface of the filter is configured to hold afilter, the filter being cylindrically shaped. The outer surface mayextend radially outward from the longitudinal axis. The filter may bedisposed between the outer rim and the inner rim.

In some implementations, the flange includes a plurality of fluidopenings circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis. The fluidopenings may direct fluid toward the filter. The inner ring of the endcap may form an opening, the opening configured to direct fluid awayfrom the filter. In some examples, the end cap includes a support beamthat extends along the longitudinal axis, the support beam connects theflange to the ring. The end cap may be angled radially inward.

The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are setforth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Otheraspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the descriptionand drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid filter assembly having aj-hook seam in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an endcap of the fluid filter assemblyof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nut plate of the fluid filter assemblyof FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of filtration media and an endcapof the fluid filter assembly of FIG. 1.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a fluid filter assembly 100 is shown. In someimplementations, the filter assembly 100 may be utilized to filter aflow of fuel therethrough. It will be appreciated, however, that thefilter assembly 100 may be operable to filter other fluids within thescope of the present disclosure.

The filter assembly 100 may include a housing 102, a filter 104, aproximal end cap 106, a distal end cap 108, a nut plate 110, and asealing member 112. The housing 102 may define a generally cylindricalconstruct defining a longitudinal axis A1. The housing 102 may includean inner surface 114 surrounding, and extending along, the longitudinalaxis A1 from a proximal end 116 of the housing 102 to a distal end 118of the housing 102. The inner surface 114 may include a proximal portion114 a extending from the proximal end 116, a distal portion 114 bextending from the distal end 118, and an intermediate portion 114 cextending from the proximal portion 114 a to the distal portion 114 b.The proximal portion 114 a and the distal portion 114 b may each definea generally circular cylindrical shape extending along (e.g., parallelto) the longitudinal axis A1. In some implementations, the proximal end116 may be open and the distal end 118 may be closed. In this regard, atleast a portion of the distal portion 114 b of the inner surface 114 mayextend radially inwardly.

The intermediate portion 114 c of the housing 102 may extend in adirection transverse to, and about, the longitudinal axis A1. Forexample, in some implementations, the intermediate portion 114 c mayextend radially outward from the distal portion 114 b, and radiallyinward from the proximal portion 114 a. In some implementations, theintermediate portion 114 c may define a frustoconical shape extendingalong the longitudinal axis A1. In this regard, the intermediate portion114 c may define an increasing diameter Dc extending from the proximalportion 114 a to the distal portion 114 b, such that the proximalportion 114 a defines a diameter Da that is greater than a diameter Dbdefined by the distal portion 114 b.

The proximal end 116 of the housing 102 may further include a hookportion 120. In some implementations, the hook portion 120 may bedefined by the inner surface 114 of the housing 102. For example, thehook portion 120 may be defined by the proximal portion 114 a of theinner surface 114. In this regard, the proximal portion 114 a mayextends radially inward proximate the proximal end 116 to define agenerally j-shaped hook portion 120 extending about the longitudinalaxis A1. As will be explained in more detail below, in an assembledconfiguration, the hook portion 120 engages the nut plate 110 to preventmovement of the nut plate 110 and/or the proximal end cap 106 relativeto the housing 102.

The filter 104 may include a central tube 124 and a filter media 126surrounding the central tube 124. The filter media 126 may include aproximal end 128 and a distal end 130. In some implementations, thefilter media 126 defines a generally cylindrical construct extendingfrom the proximal end 128 to the distal end 130. In the assembledconfiguration, the filter 104 may be disposed within the housing 102such that the inner surface 114 surrounds the filter 104, and the distalend 130 of the filter media 126 is disposed proximate the distal end 118of the housing 102. The central tube 124 defines a passage 122 extendingalong the axis A1. In some implementations, the central tube 124includes a plurality of perforations (not shown) defining radiallyextending flow passages through the central tube 124. The central tube124 may be formed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the proximal end cap 106 may include aproximal end 202, a distal end 204, a proximal outer surface 206, and adistal outer surface 208. The proximal end 202 may be defined at leastin part by a proximal end surface 210 (FIG. 1) extending in a directiontransverse to the longitudinal axis A1. For example, the surface 210 mayextend in a radial direction and define an outer diameter D1. Theproximal end surface 210 may include a recess 211 defined at least inpart by a wall 213. The recess 211 may be concentrically disposed aboutthe axis A1 and surrounded by the surface 210. The wall 213 may extendin a direction transverse or parallel to the axis A1. In this regard,while the wall 213 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as extending in a directiongenerally transverse to the axis A1, it will be appreciated that thewall 213 may extend in a direction parallel to, and concentricallyabout, the axis A1, within the scope of the present disclosure.

The distal end 204 of the proximal end cap 106 may be defined at leastin part by a distal end surface 212 extending in a direction transverseto the longitudinal axis A1. For example, the surface 212 may extend ina radial direction and define an outer diameter D2 that is less than theouter diameter D1. The proximal outer surface 206 may extend axiallyfrom the proximal end surface 210. In some implementations, the proximalouter surface 206 defines an outer diameter D3. The outer diameter D3may be substantially equal to the outer diameter D1 defined by theproximal end surface 210. The distal outer surface 208 may extendaxially from the distal end surface 212. In some implementations, thedistal outer surface 208 defines an outer diameter D4. The outerdiameter D4 may be substantially equal to the outer diameter D2 definedby the distal end surface 212. At least one of the proximal and distalouter surfaces 206 and 208 may include, and/or otherwise define in part,an annular channel 214. In this regard, the annular channel 214 may bedefined in part by a stop surface 216 extending from proximal outersurface 206. The stop surface 216 may extend in a direction transverseto the axis A1. In some implementations, the stop surface 216 extendsradially inwardly from the proximal outer surface 206, such that theproximal end surface 210, the proximal outer surface 206, and the stopsurface 216 define a flange 218. In this regard, the flange 218 mayextend annularly about the proximal end cap 106.

The proximal end cap 106 may further define a central aperture 222, aplurality of fluid openings 224, and a plurality of proximal centeringfeatures 226. The central aperture 222 may extend through the proximaland distal ends 202, 204 of the proximal end cap 106. In this regard,the central aperture 222 may be concentrically disposed within therecess 211. The fluid openings 224 may be spaced about the circumferenceof the proximal end cap 106 and may be in fluid communication with thechannel 214 and the aperture 222 and/or the recess 211. The centeringfeatures 226 may be spaced about the circumference of the proximal endcap 106. In some implementations, the centering features 226 may includesupport beams 226 extending axially from the flange 218 and radiallyfrom the distal outer surface 208 such that the support beams 226traverse the annular channel 214. The support beams 226 may collectivelydefine an outer diameter D5. The outer diameter D5 may be substantiallyequal to the diameter Db defined by the distal portion 114 b of thehousing 102. Accordingly, in the assembled configuration, the supportbeams 226 may engage the distal portion 114 b of the housing 102 tocenter the filter 104 and the proximal end cap 106 within the housing102.

With reference to FIG. 1, the distal end cap 108 may include one or moreradially outwardly extending distal centering features 228. In thisregard, the distal centering features 228 may extend outwardly from thedistal end cap 108 to define an outermost diameter D6 of the distal endcap 108. In some implementations, the distal centering feature 228includes a radially extending flange extending annularly about thedistal end cap 108 and defining the diameter D6. In otherimplementations, the distal centering feature 228 includes a pluralityof flanges circumferentially spaced about the distal end cap 108 anddefining the diameter D6.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the nut plate 110 may include a base301, an outer ring 302, and an inner ring 304. The base 301 may define adistal end 306 of the nut plate 110. The outer ring 302 may extend fromthe base 301 and may include an outer surface 308 and an inner surface310. The inner and outer surface 308, 310 may extend annularly about thelongitudinal axis A1. The outer surface 308 may extend from the distalend 306 to a proximal end 312. The outer surface 308 may define an outerdiameter D7. In some implementations, the outer diameter D7 may besubstantially equal to the diameter Da of the inner surface 114 a. Theinner surface 310 may define an angle a relative to the longitudinalaxis A1. In some implementations, the angle α is substantially equal tozero degrees, such that the inner surface 310 is substantially parallelto the longitudinal axis A1. In other implementations, the angle α isbetween zero degrees and twenty-five degrees. For example, the angle αmay be substantially equal to fifteen degrees.

The inner ring 304 may extend from the base 301 and may include an outersurface 314 and an inner surface 316. The outer surface 314 of the innerring 304 and the inner surface 310 of the outer ring 302 may define anannular groove or channel 318 therebetween. In this regard, the channel318 may be defined by the outer surface 314, the inner surface 310, andthe base 301. The inner surface 316 of the inner ring 304 may include aplurality of threads 320.

The nut plate 110 may further include a plurality of ribs 322 extendingradially outwardly from and between the outer surface 314 of the innerring 304 and the inner surface 310 of the outer ring 302. In thisregard, the ribs 322 may be uniformly spaced within the channel 318 andabout the longitudinal axis A1. The ribs 322 and the channel 318 mayallow fluid to flow toward the flange of the endcap, as described inmore detail below. While the ribs 322 are generally shown opposite thedistal end 306 of the nut plate 110, it will be appreciated that theribs 322 may be disposed adjacent the distal end 306 of the nut plate110 within the scope of the present disclosure.

The outer ring 302 may optionally have a plurality of grooves (notshown) to allow the endcap to rotatably lock in place. The nut plate 110may have a lip (not shown) with a plurality of locking grooves (notshown). The lip may hold the proximal end cap 106 in the lockinggrooves.

The sealing member 112 may be formed from a polymer or other materialsuitable for sealingly engaging the inner surface 310 of the nut plate110. In this regard, in some implementations, the sealing member 112defines an annular construct having an inner surface 134 defining athrough hole 136. The inner surface 134 may include annular rib 138extending radially inwardly from the inner surface 134. While thesealing member 112 is generally shown and described herein as being agrommet, it will be appreciated that the sealing member 112 may includeother constructs, such as an O-ring, for example, within the scope ofthe present disclosure.

A method of assembling the filter assembly 110 may include placing thefilter 104 within the housing 102 such that a portion of the filtermedia 126 or the distal end cap 108 engages the inner surface 114 of thehousing 102. The proximal end cap 106 and the nut plate 110 may beplaced within the housing 102 such that one of the proximal end cap 106and the nut plate 110 engages the filter media 126, and one of theproximal end cap 106 and the nut plate 110 engages the inner surface 114of the housing 102. For example, the distal end 204 of the proximal endcap 106 may engage the filter media 126, and the stop surface 216 of theproximal end cap 106 may engage the intermediate portion 114 c of theinner surface 114. The housing 102 may be secured to one of the proximalend cap 106 and the nut plate 110. In some implementations, the proximalend 116 of the housing 102 may be crimped to engage the outer ring 302of the nut plate 110. For example, the proximal end 116 of the housing102 may be crimped radially inwardly to form the hook portion 120. Thehook portion 120 may engage the proximal end 312 and the inner surface310 of the nut plate 110 to secure the filter 104, the distal end cap108, the proximal end cap 106, and the nut plate 110 within the housing102. In this regard, the hook portion 120 may further secure the nutplate 110 and the proximal end cap 106 between (relative to thelongitudinal axis A1) the proximal end 116 of the housing 102 and theintermediate portion 114 c of the housing 102. The angle α may improvethe engagement between the hook portion 120 and the nut plate 110 tofurther secure the nut plate 110 within the housing 102, and preventrelative movement between the nut plate 110 and the housing 102. Forexample, a fifteen degree value for the angle α may improve theengagement between the hook portion 120 and the nut plate 110 to furthersecure the nut plate 110 within the housing 102.

In the assembled configuration, the proximal end 128 of the filter media126 and/or the central tube 124 may engage the distal end 204 of theproximal end cap 106, and the distal end 130 of the filter media 126and/or the central tube 124 may engage the distal end cap 108. In thisregard, the distal end 204 of the proximal end cap 106 may include,and/or otherwise define, an annular groove 220. The filter media 126and/or the central tube 124 may be at least partially disposed withinthe annular groove 220. The centering features 228 of the distal end cap108 may engage the inner surface 114 of the housing 102 to center thedistal end cap 108 and the filter media 126 within the housing 102relative to the longitudinal axis A1. The centering features 226 of theproximal end cap 106 may engage the inner surface 114 of the housing 102to center the proximal end cap 106 and the filter media 126 within thehousing 102 relative to the longitudinal axis A1.

The nut plate 110 may releasably seal the proximal end cap 106 and thedistal end cap 108 to the filter media 126. For example, the proximalend cap 106 may be pressed to the filter 104 by the nut plate 110. FIG.4 illustrates the end cap 106 mated with the filter media 126. Inoperation, fluid flows through the plurality of fluid openings 224,where the filtration media filters the fluid. Filtered fluid flowsthrough an aperture 222 formed in the proximal end cap 106.

The nut plate 110 may further releasably seal the proximal end cap 106to the housing 102. In this regard, the flange 218 of the proximal endcap 106 may engage the intermediate portion 114 c of the inner surface114 of the housing 102, while the centering features 226 may engage thedistal portion 114 b of the inner surface 114 of the housing 102. Thehook portion 120 of the housing 102 may engage the outer ring 302 of thenut plate 110 and apply a force F thereon. An axially-extendingcomponent of the force F may be transmitted by the nut plate 110 to theproximal end cap 106, and by the proximal end cap 106 to theintermediate portion 114 c of the surface 114 of the housing 102, toreleasably seal the proximal end cap 106 to the housing 102.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, otherimplementations are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid filter assembly comprising: a housingdefining a longitudinal axis, the housing including an inner surfacesurrounding the longitudinal axis and defining a hook portion; aproximal end cap disposed within the housing and having a flangeengaging the inner surface of the housing; and a nut plate disposedwithin the housing and having a proximal end and a distal end, theproximal end engaging the hook portion of the housing, the distal endengaging the proximal end cap.
 2. The fluid filter assembly of claim 1,wherein the inner surface of the housing includes a proximal portiondefining a first diameter, a distal portion defining a second diameter,and an intermediate portion defining a third diameter that is less thanthe first diameter and greater than the second diameter, the flangeengaging the intermediate portion of the inner surface.
 3. The fluidfilter assembly of claim 2, wherein the proximal end cap includes aplurality of centering features engaging the distal portion of the innersurface to center the proximal end cap within the housing.
 4. The fluidfilter assembly of claim 1, wherein the nut plate includes a ringportion disposed within the hook portion of the housing.
 5. The fluidfilter assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the housingincludes a proximal portion defining a first diameter, a distal portiondefining a second diameter, and an intermediate portion defining a thirddiameter that is less than the first diameter and greater than thesecond diameter, and wherein the ring portion includes an outer surfacedefining a fourth diameter substantially equal to the first diameter. 6.The fluid filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the flange engages theintermediate portion of the inner surface.
 7. The fluid filter assemblyof claim 1, wherein the nut plate includes an inner ring portion and anouter ring portion, the inner ring portion and the outer ring portionextending about the longitudinal axis and defining an annular groovetherebetween.
 8. The fluid filter assembly of claim 7, wherein the innerring portion and the outer ring portion extend toward the proximal endcap along the longitudinal axis.
 9. The fluid filter assembly of claim1, further comprising: a filter media having a proximal end and a distalend; and a distal end cap, the distal end cap engaging the distal end ofthe filter media, and the proximal end cap engaging the proximal end ofthe filter media.
 10. The fluid filter assembly of claim 9, wherein thedistal end cap includes a distal centering feature engaging the innersurface of the housing to center the distal end cap within the housing,and wherein the proximal end cap includes a proximal centering featureengaging the inner surface to center the proximal end cap within thehousing.
 11. A method of manufacturing a fluid filter assembly, themethod comprising: providing a housing having an inner surfacesurrounding a longitudinal axis; inserting a filter element within thehousing; engaging a proximal end cap with a proximal end of the filterelement; engaging a nut plate with the proximal end cap, the nut platehaving an axially-extending ring; and engaging a hook portion of thehousing with the axially-extending ring to secure the filter, theproximal end cap, and the nut plate within the housing.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein engaging a hook portion of the housing with theaxially extending ring includes crimping the housing to theaxially-extending ring.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the proximalend cap includes a radially outwardly extending flange, and whereinengaging the proximal end cap with an end of the filter element includesengaging the flange with the inner surface of the housing.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the inner surface of the housing includes aradially inwardly extending intermediate portion, and wherein the flangeengages the intermediate portion.
 15. The method of claim 13, whereinthe flange includes a plurality of fluid openings circumferentiallyspaced about the longitudinal axis.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe fluid openings direct fluid toward the filter element.
 17. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the inner surface of the housing includes aradially inwardly extending intermediate portion, and wherein at leastone of the proximal end cap and the nut plate engages the intermediateportion.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the hook portion defines aj-shaped construct.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the hook portionextends radially inwardly.
 20. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: engaging a distal end cap with a distal end of the filterelement, the distal end disposed opposite the proximal end; and engagingthe distal end cap with the inner surface of the housing.